Toyota Improves Virtual Crash Dummy Software

Toyota has developed a new virtual crash dummy model that takes into account how drivers and passengers often brace themselves just before a crash occurs.

Research indicates that most drivers, when they become aware a crash is impending, brake or turn sharply to avoid it and also brace themselves for the anticipated impact. This change in sitting posture has an effect on body movement during the crash.

But human surrogate models used in virtual crash simulations haven’t traditionally been able to simulate the reflexive defensive actions that people take in the moments before a crash.

To address this, Toyota has added a new muscle model capable of simulating human postural states. The model is included in the latest version of the automaker’s Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS) virtual human model software.

THUMS Version 5 can simulate a variety of states, from relaxed to braced, enabling more detailed computer analysis of injuries caused by collisions, Toyota said.

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